The south coast side currently sit in third place in the Premier League, just three points behind league leaders Arsenal, and boast the division's best defence, conceding just five goals.

And the 18-year-old defender is relishing the chance to go head-to-head with the two giants after the conclusion of the international break, and believes the matches will show whether they are capable of challenging the top teams.

"The next two games we have got coming up will show whereabouts we are and whether we can challenge for the top," he told reporters. "If you take points from there, you know you are doing well.

"It is two of the biggest clubs in the league and hopefully we are going to go there positive to pick up points."

The Saints have only lost once this season, defeated by Norwich in August, but have already secured an away victory at Anfield against Liverpool and earned a point at Old Trafford against reigning champions Manchester United.